{
  "id": 14874105,
  "title": "‘It’s about the underdog’: Ben Roberts-Smith launches brand to support family amid legal battle",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/its-about-the-underdog-ben-roberts-smith-launches-brand-to-support",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T04:55:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian",
    "slug": "the-guardian",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/16/ben-roberts-smith-launches-brand-epic-1-two-amid-legal-battle-ntwnfb"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has launched a brand called EPIC 1 TWO, stating he needs the revenue to support his family and cover his legal costs following charges of murder or ordering the murders of five unarmed detainees in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2012. In an Instagram video, the 47-year-old, who was awarded the Victoria Cross, is seen walking along a Gold Coast beach and working out, accompanied by short clips of media reports on his Victoria Cross and arrest. The video's caption reads: \"Get ready….the time has come. #neveroutofthefight #underdog\". Roberts-Smith categorically denies the allegations, stating he always acted within his values and training. He explained that the brand's name is derived from his radio call sign during a mission for which he received the Victoria Cross. Roberts-Smith shared that the primary purpose of the brand is to provide financial assistance for his family, as there is excessive media pressure on individuals like him seeking a fair process. The brand represents \"the underdog\" and the resilience of those facing challenges, urging people to persevere through their struggles.",
  "summary": "Accused war criminal announces venture with video on Instagram of him walking along beach and working out Accused war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith has launched a brand, saying he needs the income to support his family and fund his legal expenses after being charged with murdering or ordering the murders of five unarmed detainees while deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. Roberts-Smith…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "Ben Roberts-Smith launches personal brand to fund war-crimes defence",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/ben-roberts-smith-launches-personal-brand-to-fund-war-crimes-defence",
        "published": "2026-10-16T03:46:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "Ben Roberts-Smith launches personal brand to fund war-crimes defence",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/ben-roberts-smith-launches-personal-brand-to-fund-war-crimes-defence-14861954",
        "published": "2026-10-16T03:46:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian Australia",
        "title": "‘It’s about the underdog’: Ben Roberts-Smith launches brand to support family amid legal battle",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/its-about-the-underdog-ben-roberts-smith-launches-brand-to-support-14876273",
        "published": "2026-10-16T04:55:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}